Day trips from Atlanta, GA
From Atlanta, Georgia
12 Amazing Destinations
Perfect for day trips
Atlanta is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture, but sometimes you need to escape the hustle and bustle for a day. Fortunately, there are numerous day trip opportunities within a 200-mile radius that offer a mix of nature, history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're looking to explore charming small towns, hike through scenic mountains, or relax on beautiful beaches, there's something for everyone. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the best day trips from Atlanta.
1. Savannah Historic District
Savannah is a charming coastal city known for its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and beautiful squares. The Savannah Historic District is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Take a leisurely stroll through the district, visit the iconic Forsyth Park, and explore the many museums and galleries. Don't miss the opportunity to take a guided tour to learn more about the city's rich history.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Forsyth Park
- ✓Historic homes and architecture
- ✓Museums and galleries
- ✓Guided tours
2. Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
For a scenic and relaxing day trip, head to Blue Ridge and take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. This historic train offers stunning views of the North Georgia mountains as it winds through the countryside. The journey takes you to the charming town of McCaysville, where you can explore local shops and restaurants. Don't forget to pack a picnic to enjoy along the way.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Scenic train ride
- ✓Mountain views
- ✓Charming town of McCaysville
- ✓Picnic opportunities
3. Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a coastal getaway that offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. Spend the day soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches, or try your hand at various water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Don't miss the historic Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, which offers stunning views of the coast. For a unique experience, take a sunset cruise to see the dolphins and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Beaches and water activities
- ✓Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
- ✓Sunset cruises
- ✓Dolphin watching
4. Atlanta Botanical Garden
If you're a nature lover, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a must-visit. This stunning garden features a variety of tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal displays. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, and don't miss the Fuqua Conservatory, which houses a collection of rare and exotic plants. The garden also offers guided tours and special events throughout the year.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Tropical plants and orchids
- ✓Fuqua Conservatory
- ✓Guided tours
- ✓Special events
5. Augusta Canal Discovery Center
The Augusta Canal Discovery Center offers a unique look into the history of Augusta's 19th-century canal system. Explore the exhibits and learn about the canal's role in the city's industrial development. Take a guided tour of the canal, or rent a kayak and explore the waterway on your own. The center also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Historic canal system
- ✓Guided tours
- ✓Kayaking and water activities
- ✓Educational programs
6. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is a vibrant city located just across the Georgia border. Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Chattanooga offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Visit the Tennessee Aquarium to see a diverse collection of marine life, or explore the historic Walnut Street Bridge. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as whitewater rafting and zip-lining adventures.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Tennessee Aquarium
- ✓Historic Walnut Street Bridge
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Whitewater rafting and zip-lining
7. Dahlonega, Georgia
Dahlonega is a charming small town located in the North Georgia mountains. Known for its gold mining history, Dahlonega offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum to learn about the town's rich history, or explore the nearby wineries and breweries. For outdoor enthusiasts, the town offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Dahlonega Gold Museum
- ✓Wineries and breweries
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Fishing and kayaking
8. Helena, Alabama
Helena is a historic town located just across the Georgia border in Alabama. Known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, Helena offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Visit the Helena Museum to learn about the town's history, or explore the historic downtown district. For outdoor enthusiasts, the town offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Helena Museum
- ✓Historic downtown district
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Fishing and kayaking
9. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island is a beautiful barrier island located off the coast of Georgia. Known for its stunning beaches and rich history, Jekyll Island offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Spend the day soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches, or explore the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort. For outdoor enthusiasts, the island offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Beautiful beaches
- ✓Historic Jekyll Island Club Resort
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Fishing and kayaking
10. Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Lookout Mountain is a stunning natural attraction located just outside of Chattanooga. Known for its breathtaking views and rich history, Lookout Mountain offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Visit the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway to take a scenic ride to the top of the mountain, or explore the historic Point Park. For outdoor enthusiasts, the mountain offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as rock climbing and zip-lining adventures.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
- ✓Historic Point Park
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Rock climbing and zip-lining
11. Stone Mountain Park, Georgia
Stone Mountain Park is a stunning natural attraction located just outside of Atlanta. Known for its massive granite dome and rich history, Stone Mountain Park offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Take a scenic train ride around the park, or explore the historic Stone Mountain Carving. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Scenic train ride
- ✓Historic Stone Mountain Carving
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
- ✓Fishing and kayaking
12. Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Toccoa Falls is a stunning natural attraction located in the North Georgia mountains. Known for its breathtaking waterfall and rich history, Toccoa Falls offers a variety of day trip opportunities. Take a scenic hike to the waterfall, or explore the nearby Toccoa River. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing and kayaking opportunities.
What to See & Do:
- ✓Breathtaking waterfall
- ✓Scenic hikes
- ✓Toccoa River
- ✓Hiking and biking trails
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